Travelling from Melbourne to Launceston Airport (LST): What you need to know
Your travels get underway at Melbourne's main airport, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Explore the options for catching a flight from Melbourne to Launceston Airport (LST) departing from this terminal.
Take off on a direct Melbourne to Launceston Airport flight and you'll be travelling for around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Melbourne and Launceston (where Launceston Airport is located) share the UTC+11 timezone. That means you won't have to adjust your watch once you arrive.
The most popular route is from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Launceston Airport (LST), with 69 direct services every week. If you want to be on your way right away, the earliest flight from MEL to LST is the 6:15am Jetstar service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 9:50pm with Virgin Australia Regional.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from Melbourne to LST. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines during popular months such as July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
You can jump on a direct flight from Melbourne to Launceston Airport (LST) departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Pick from a variety of airlines offering direct flights from Melbourne to Launceston Airport leaving from MEL. Book your seat with one of these:
Qantas is the most frequently chosen airline for flights from MEL to LST.
The carrier with the best on-time arrival rate on this route is Virgin Australia.
MEL is about 24 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 35 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Melbourne to Launceston Airport or prefer not to feel hurried, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, data shows 63% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
With public transport, you can travel from central Melbourne to AVV in about 1 hour 20 minutes. The terminal is roughly 56 kilometres away, and making the journey by car takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes.
Unwind before your Melbourne to LST flight at a hotel near Avalon Airport. Corio Bay Motel is one option where you can wake up and get to the airport with time to spare.
When it comes to flight punctuality, Avalon Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
About Launceston Airport (LST)
Have a late flight from Melbourne to Launceston Airport? Don't let it end in exhaustion. Stay at one of these hotels near LST and be in snooze mode sooner:
Booking your vehicle around two weeks ahead of your Melbourne to Launceston Airport flight can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from Launceston Airport (LST) to central Launceston
Central Launceston is around 14 kilometres from Launceston Airport and takes about 20 minutes to reach by car. Work out your options for getting into the city, whether that's with a taxi, car hire or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Launceston Airport (LST)
$49 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Launceston Airport. Return flights start from $98. These prices may change depending on availability.
To snag cheap flights from Melbourne to LST, book your plane ticket seven months ahead of your departure date.
The best month for scoring cheap Melbourne to Launceston Airport tickets is December. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Melbourne to LST is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when prices go down.
Discover the best deal on a flight from Melbourne to Launceston Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Launceston Airport (LST)
Think about the kind of experience you want when deciding your trip dates. December is the quietest month to go to Launceston. January is when most people book flights from Melbourne to Launceston Airport (LST), which may be perfect if you're chasing more action.
The warmest month in Launceston is January, with temperatures ranging between 9ºC (48ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Book your Melbourne to LST plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
July sees temperatures of between 1ºC (34ºF) and 12ºC (54ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Melbourne to Launceston Airport around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Launceston
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Launceston right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Launceston Airport:
There are so many things to see and do in this city, it can be tricky to know where to start. Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift, Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk and Hollybank Mountain Bike Park are leading attractions which should be on any good Launceston itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've seen Launceston, now it's time to explore other corners of Australia. Journey around 153 kilometres south to Hobart to check off its popular sights. From Museum of Old and New Art to Mount Wellington and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Burnie is another essential stop in Australia and is around 121 kilometres northwest of Launceston. No trip is complete without visiting Penguin Observation Centre, Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden and South Burnie Foreshore Esplanade.